I wanted to ride in a helicopter flying through the night sky for a romantic reason, like enjoying the night view. However, the reason I rode this time was far from romantic.
I was equipped with gear that made me feel like I was part of a special forces unit. To learn that everyone in this group was connected to a shrine, I was internally impressed by how incredible the hidden side of Japan really was.
Among them, I opened the side door, and while being careful not to fall, I peered down. Below, I could see the shrine, illuminated by lights.
It was the shrine that had been featured on television.
The location remained the same, still lit up, but people were gathered in the center.
No, it would be more accurate to say they were being gathered.
People were gathered in the center, and I could see individuals positioned in a circle around them.
They were clearly facing off against the police, who were unable to intervene.
The reason for this was probably the bombs attached to the torsos of the group surrounding the area.
They were visibly flaunting them, even from high above.
The helicopter I was currently in was hidden by the darkness of the night. While the rotor sound could be heard, it seemed some kind of spell had been cast to conceal its presence.
Kirie-san had mentioned that technology for concealment was improving daily.
The helicopter, imbued with such a spell, was circling overhead, seemingly monitoring the scene until it was time for us to act, waiting for the opportune moment.
“Honestly, I thought a day like this would come eventually, but it took quite a while. But Mother, I’m happy to be able to appear on such a grand stage with my son.”
“You thought it would come eventually? Well, lately, it’s different, but until last year, I was a regular salaryman. I wouldn’t be happy if such a day came.”
If it were under normal circumstances, I would have been nervous, even looking through binoculars at such a scene. However, thanks to one person’s relaxed demeanor, I managed to avoid any tension.
That person was my mother.
My mother, peering down just like me, was clad in gloves, protectors, night camouflage, and a mask and goggles to protect her face.
It was impossible to recognize anyone by their appearance, but from their body shape, I could tell it was a woman, and from her voice and the content of her speech, I knew it was my mother.
There were a few other people in similar outfits, but my mother was the only one acting so cheerfully.
I was also dressed similarly, but thinking about what we were about to do made me a bit somber, and I found myself speaking less.
Beside my mother, who seemed to be enjoying what was to come, I remembered that we were flying high above.
“According to the information Kirie investigated, they’re all amateurs, members of some religious group? Their records are clean. The only problem is the bombs. They’re all hot-headed, but killing is forbidden. On top of that, this operation. Kirie, are you telling us to go die? They can win with a single switch press. We have to do all sorts of complicated things. Think a little more.”
“It’s an action plan because I believe Sister can do it. Even if you say you can’t?”
“Your twisted nature has certainly improved.”
“Since my sister left, I haven’t had an environment where I could raise someone straightforwardly like you, so yes, it’s someone’s fault.”
“You’ve certainly become outspoken. You used to cry behind my back. Haa, I wonder if your daughter will turn out like this too.”
“Yes, unlike my sister, she is diligently training as a miko. Yes, unlike my sister.”
Although they were laughing with “Ahaha” and “Ufufu,” I felt like this was a battlefield for women.
In the conference room of the office near the heliport.
My mother and I were listening to the details of the current operation…
“Kirie-san, I think it’s reckless to descend from the sky without a parachute.”
I couldn’t help but wince, given the content that made me want to ask if they were some kind of airborne unit.
This time, I thought my mother’s complaints were understandable.
However, let’s postpone the argument.
It looks like a tiger and a dragon might appear behind us soon.
“Can’t you do it?”
“I can’t.”
“You, you can’t do it?”
“Wait, why is Mother on that side too? Think logically, why would you assume someone who hasn’t undergone training can act like a special forces member?”
Well, I can. Probably.
Because I’ve done things that resemble training.
And the point of contention seems to be quite different from what I’m thinking.
The problem with this operation is the sheer number of bombs.
The culprits are positioned around the civilians, each holding a bomb.
Furthermore, each of them possesses their own detonator.
If we have to neutralize them, it seems like the only way is to snipe them all simultaneously and make sure to eliminate them.
Perhaps that’s why such a reckless operation was devised…
“I understand you want to avoid killing, but temporarily shutting off the power supply, descending from the air during that window, and incapacitating everyone in the meantime… Mother, do you think this can be done in thirteen seconds?”
It is forbidden to have casualties at that place due to their impact on the seal.
This is not a hypocritical act of not wanting to cause deaths, but because negative emotions such as fear of death and resentment can adversely affect the seal on the path to the underworld.
While the shrine was built for the purpose of sealing, this purification effect also has its limits.
According to what Kirie-san said, this shrine has two effects.
One is the maintenance of the seal.
And the other, perhaps the main effect, is this.
It has a function similar to a water purifier, gradually normalizing the land.
I learned that the feeling of sanctity one experiences while walking around the shrine is due to this.
However, even that purification cannot filter out something like pouring a torrent of muddy water.
It cannot suppress the negative thoughts of the entire group of civilians who came for the New Year’s visit, which could become mud.
And if the shrine absorbs too much negative energy, its function will reverse, turning it into a place that attracts negative energy.
If that happens, the path to the underworld will open in this land.
This is a troublesome, truly troublesome case.
It absolutely must be prevented.
With Kirie-san’s authority, a request for cooperation from the government has been issued, but many organizations are skeptical of the organization Kirie-san belongs to, and they cannot mobilize the Self-Defense Force.
Police officers have been mobilized, but in either case, permission for lethal force will not be granted.
It might be possible to obtain it if we had more time, but by then it would be too late.
However, to think that such a reckless operation would be approved is out of the question.
There are times when one must say that the impossible is impossible.
“Well, if we had about eight more seconds, I think I could do it alone.”
“You can do it? Or rather, why can you do it?”
“If I can’t do this much, I can’t accompany Ichiro on his photo shoots.”
“I always wonder, where do you and the others take photos?”
“Do you want to know? Then, I’ll take you there next time—”
“I’ll pass.”
My mother is pulling off stunts that would make Hollywood proud.
“While I appreciate your good relationship as parent and child, may we please return to the topic?”
“Yes, sorry.”
While we were engaging in such a pointless conversation, Kirie-san admonished us.
I apologized sincerely and returned to the topic.
Well, the conclusion is that we have to do it, but it’s realistically impossible.
How do we shift this from impossible to possible?
“Regarding Jiro-san’s previous doubt, I believe it can be resolved with the Idaten’s tabi that I brought. That sacred artifact symbolizes speed, and I thought it would be suitable for this incident. Why not try using it once to get accustomed to it?”
“Is that alright?”
“Yes, while long durations might be difficult, twenty to thirty minutes should be no problem.”
The plan is already in my head.
All that’s left is to execute it. Currently, it’s an impossible plan, but it seems this tabi can make it possible.
I’m half in doubt.
If they say it’s possible, then it probably is, but that doesn’t mean I can trust it immediately.
That’s why I’ll test it.
The tabi I took out of the box seemed small for my feet, but being a sacred artifact, it automatically adjusted its size.
Feeling the perfect fit, I thought it was an amazing item at this stage and put on my shoes before leaving the office.
Outside connected to the heliport, it was, as expected, spacious.
At the nearest heliport, there was a rather imposing-looking helicopter, and things were quite noisy around it.
“So, Kirie-san, how should I use it?”
But that’s irrelevant right now.
What’s important now is the existence of this vast space.
I intend to test it as Kirie-san instructed, but it takes a bit of courage to do it in a confined space.
“Concentrate on your feet and release the power as if you were untying a string. Then the power will naturally be released. However, be careful not to release too much.”
“As if untying a string.”
Kirie-san’s explanation is a bit hard to visualize, but should I think of it like opening a faucet?
With that thought, I replaced the image and focused on my feet.
I’ve already practiced imagining the circulation of power extensively with Ore Tree.
That part is not a problem.
The location has just moved from hands to feet; essentially, I just need to connect the tabi to my body.
“…I’m amazed. I never thought I could draw out power this quickly and cleanly.”
“He’s my son. He can do this much.”
It seems that prediction was spot on.
From my feet, I feel a strange power, different from magic power.
If magic power is like vitality, what is this? Should I describe it as a warmth like the sun?
It can only be described as similar yet different.
“Now, please try running. That alone will show the result.”
“Yes.”
Feeling a slight resistance to using this power, I started running slowly at first, then gradually accelerated.
From walking to a light jog, from a light jog to a run, and then to a full sprint.
I adjusted the power applied to my feet like changing gears in a manual car to gain speed.
“Certainly, with this, it might be possible.”
The speed range far exceeded what a human could achieve.
“How is it? What are your thoughts on using the sacred artifact?”
“…There’s nothing to say but amazing.”
With just a light stride, I could achieve this level of physical ability.
Even if it’s specifically designed for the act of running, this is exceptional.
I wonder how effective it would be if I used this sacred artifact to tackle a dungeon.
“I see. However, I would say that Jiro-san is even more amazing. But there’s no point in saying that now. So, Jiro-san, do you think the previous operation would be possible using that sacred artifact?”
That is purely in the realm of imagination, and it will not come true.
I am here as my mother’s son.
To Kirie-san, I am a useful, unexpected asset.
She probably thinks that my mother’s nephew happened to have an aptitude for sacred artifacts and combat, so he was asked to assist in the operation.
It’s only because of my mother’s recommendation that I’m standing here.
I must not let a sense of justice or desire interfere with this.
“Yes. I think it is possible. It has become realistic.”
All that matters now is the thought process for considering the efficiency of the work and the standard of good and evil for not making a fatal mistake.
That is sufficient for now.
The opponents are villains; while some restraint is necessary, there should be no mercy.
“Then, please proceed as planned. We have prepared your equipment in a separate room. Please change there.”
The time limit is ticking away.
I hope the power I’ve stepped into, beyond human capabilities, will be useful as I fulfill my role.
That is what I have been thinking up until now.
Having finished my preparations, I ascended into the sky, and after a while.
I glanced at the wristwatch on my right arm and saw that there were less than five minutes until the operation began.
“Well, it’s finally time.”
The operation in modern Japan is about to begin.
A slight smile on my lips is now a habit.
Getting excited before a fight is almost instinctive.
And, as if to counter these feelings, I cool my head.
This is how I finished my preparations for battle.
Today’s word:
The limit is always set by oneself; whether to exceed it is up to oneself.
That’s all for this installment.
If you found it interesting, please leave comments, ratings, bookmarks, etc.
*The first volume of the book has been decided to be published by Hayakawa Bunko JA.*
*It was released on October 18, 2018.*
*An e-book version was also released on October 31 of the same year.*
*Furthermore, the second volume was released on December 19.*
*The third volume was released on February 20, 2019.*
*The content has been revised and expanded from the original posted on Shosetsuka ni Narou, with the addition of an unpublished interlude.*
*Please do check out the new releases!*
*A manga adaptation has also been decided for Kodansha’s “Young Magazine The Third.”*
